Passat replacement key

[mcf57]

I have a 2003 Passat wagon and my 1yr old son has gotten a hold of and misplaced one of our remote flip-out key modules for the vehicle. I still have the 2nd one as well as the valet key. I have learned that all my local Atlanta area VW dealers want about $275 to get a new remote key for this vehcile. I think I'm gonna use the valet key for now, but have been looking into other options in case I lose or break the only remote key I have.

I looked at getting a replacement on ebay, but ALL of my local dealers will not cut a key that is bought online or from somewhere else. They ALL claim the metal used in aftermarket keys bought online is a lot harder/tougher and will damage their bits or something like that.

Therefore, they obviously want you to buy it from them and not someone else. I wonder if this ploy can somehow be avoided though. I'm looking into local locksmiths as well, but am not having much luck there either. They all seem iffy on whether they can cut a new key or not and need to look at the one I have first.

Any other recommendations on how to maybe get a replacement key for my Passat if needed? In the meantime, I guess I will definitely keep looking for that other key in the house somewhere.